"What really creates discontent in the modern age, as in all ages, is confusion and uncertainly. People turn to radical doctrines not necessarily when they are poor, but when they are emotionally and intellectually distraught. When faith in their world is shaken ... when profound economic changes alter their modes of livelihood ... when the expectation of private and public change becomes greater than the expectation of private and public continuity ... then the radical agitator, of one persuasion or another, has a fertile field to cultivate." Russell Kirk's 1957 book, "The American Cause," speaks to us today.

The Tea Party citizens certainly identify with this description. We didn't see the community activist offering Hope and Change as a radical — for lack of information. The media were just as beguiled as the rest of the people.

In the midst of the present economic, societal and political upheaval, the American people finally recognized they had been tricked into seating an Ideologue to the highest office. Thus the people spoke out, united in heart and mind that the government had crossed its boundaries.

We witnessed congressional democratic loyalists fall right into line behind this man. That the people were enchanted is nothing new — Hitler was a little man with a bewitching voice who swayed millions to his authoritarian and far-left agenda.

America's political climate has swung so far into divisiveness, is there any hope of returning to a semblance of the Republic under God and the U.S. Constitution? Has the Great American experiment gone the way of the dinosaurs? Are we doomed to go the way of other nations, descending into a ideological, socialist Utopia created and controlled by a group of radical elitists?

It all depends. For decades Americans settled into a complacent and apathetic routine towards their government while pursuing their own lives. After all, the economy was good, opportunities abounded and Americans, for the most part, seemed to be content. Most of the time the government appeared to be doing its job.

Yet an instinctive restlessness grew among many citizens at the government's increasing intervention into our lives, growing its control and incrementally chipping away at our constitutional freedom and liberty — for our own good, of course. Then came the knowledge that the same government took no responsibility and was not accountable for the continuing ballooning National Debt.

Why should America be any different from other nations? Because we were — in the beginning. But our nation's foundation has been shaken by the decline of religious and moral beliefs among a once virtuous people which held our nation together, changes wrought by social and intellectual philosophies which do not match up with our governing documents.

The babylonian culture and education system lure our young from developing virtues and good citizenship which the founders had relied on to uphold our Republic. They are no longer taught good citizenship based on tried and true history.

Perhaps the founding fathers would not be surprised at what has occurred to our nation over the past two centuries. There was a warning given by Benjamin Franklin in his response to a woman's question, "Well sir do we have a Republic?" He answered, "You have a Republic — if you can keep it."

There is no doubt in many citizens' minds that the Republic and constitutional

rule have been ditched, buried beneath the rubble of ideologue-building, elitist Utopians who call for Hope and Change.

The recent situation where Republicans have been elected over Democrats in three states was, in particular, a surprise to the embedded liberals in Washington. This unorganized grassroots movement is having an overwhelming effect and give Americans Hope that not all is lost.

But: Republican Party, Beware — that Hope does not directly point to you.

Many congressional Republicans have been in-name-only GoPers solely for reelection purposes. Call them RINOs or anything else, but they do not act conservative. Those reelected time and again, have failed to pursue government policies and laws based on constitutional principles and restraints.

As Kirk notated, "The American Cause is the defense of the principles of a true civilization. ... conducted by renewing peoples' consciousness of true moral and political and economic principle, and by applying true principle to the institutions of society and private life." Though Kirk died in 1994 and wrote this book over 50 years ago his words fill the void missing from citizens' historical knowledge and brings understanding to what is happening in the hearts and minds of Tea Party citizens today.

Bonnie Alba

Bonnie Alba is a "politically incorrect" researcher-writer. Since 1995, her articles have appeared in California newspapers. Previously she served in various Department of Defense positions for over 16 years... (more)

Bonnie Alba is a "politically incorrect" researcher-writer. Since 1995, her articles have appeared in California newspapers. Previously she served in various Department of Defense positions for over 16 years. Now she and her U.S. Army and middle-school teacher retired husband are Grannie and Papa to five rambunctious, but well-behaved, grand boys. She loves to teach others about God through His Word. A patriot, she believes the U.S. Constitution has been distorted and America has diverged from the vision of the Founding Fathers. Comments are welcome at tttalba@<NOSPAM>hotmail.com